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Wednesday, April 1, 2026
The Observer

Scene


The Observer

The Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix Adventure

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On a regular Tuesday afternoon, the week before finals, we hopped into our car and drove three and a half hours to Pontiac, Mich., to watch a Phoenix concert. The French electro-rock band is on their U.S. tour, and our plan was to leave Notre Dame at 2 p.m., watch the concert and be back before parietals. Yet after a long drive on Michigan's road kill infested highways, we arrived at the Clutch Cargos, a church-turned-concert venue, only to wait another two hours for them to actually start playing. Due to the late start, we left later than expected and were hit with a snow storm. Also, because so many people were smoking at the concert, one of us (the only one with a driver's license) got an irritated eye and couldn't see properly, making it impossible to drive. A Holiday Inn Express shown like a beacon of hope in the dark snowy night. We had to drive back in the morning, and go straight to our 10:40 a.m. class with last night's clothes. In the end, was it worth it? Absolutely. Phoenix put on such a high energy show that the crowd never took a break from dancing. The band played almost all their songs from their newest album, "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix," as well as all their older fan favorites. Lead singer (and Sofia Coppola paramour) Thomas Mars seemingly did not stop to take a breath. The only times he did pause, it was to express his strong gratitude to the crowd. Opening with one of their most popular songs, "Lisztomania," Phoenix continued to play another two songs before even addressing the crowd, leading to the show's fast paced momentum which fed the audience with their energy. This kept the crowd moving, singing and dancing the entire time. One girl even tried to crowd surf but failed horribly as she immediately fell and knocked one of us down. One of their best performances, "Lasso," came early — although all of them were incredible. Mars walked up to the audience and sang straight into the front row, which only further excited the crowd. From afar, all we could see were people's hands touching his face and ruffling his hair. The band did an outstanding job at making their live music sound even better than on the record, largely due to the combination of their talent with their spirited performance. After singing "Rally," "Fences" and "Long Distance Call," Phoenix slowed the pace down with "Love Like a Sunset," a largely instrumental track allowing for everyone to appreciate their all around talent (and for the couples to dance closer together). Another notable performance, "Napoleon Says," captured more excitement than when recorded, giving this older song new vigor. Before we even knew it, Phoenix was announcing their last song, "Rome." Yet, moments after exiting the stage they returned for a four song encore. They played an acoustic version of "Everything is Everything," a beautifully preformed cover of the Virgin Suicides soundtrack, "Playground Love" by Air, and "If I Ever Feel Better." Phoenix ended on a high point with their current hit, "1901," making the crowd jump even higher and sing even louder than they had been before. As if we weren't all going crazy for the band already, Mars also walked amongst the crowd from the end of the room and back, saying thank you the entire time. Phoenix made our trip so worthwhile that the whole hassle of getting there and back only added to the excitement of our adventure. Definitely take the time to listen to their music. In short, they're awesome.


The Observer

Scene Says

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Dear Scene, In light of your recent advice column on pranksters, I have an important query regarding the ethics of pranking. A good two months ago, some acquaintances initiated a prank war with our room. We spent valuable time, brainpower and Flex points deviously plotting our revenge. Fists were shaken, middle fingers were raised and friendships were shattered. Currently, we're up, 3-1, and they haven't responded in a solid month, demonstrating their cowardice, lack of strong leadership and deservedness of pranking. Is it morally objectionable to prank them again? Let me rephrase that. Should we prank them again? Sincerely, Frustrated in Badin   Dear Frustrated in Badin, Your aptitude for prankish behavior is to be commended and astounds even us, veterans of several tours of pranktitude including the unforgettable conflict of 2004. We wholeheartedly support the furthering of this battle. We believe you have a right, nay an obligation to continue to take this fight to their proverbial doorstep. However, gird your loins, as your tomfoolery tutor, I feel I must warn you that this seeming inaction by your foes may be a clever ruse to lull you into a unsuspecting comfort only to strike with a fiery vengeance.  After all, America did not create its nuclear arsenal in seven days. When they strike, and strike they will be they any men at all, prepare yourselves for pranking at an entire new level.  It may be wise to stockpile several days worth of food and water, as well as duct tape and industrial strength plastic sheeting.  Whatever their response, remain calm and take it with good humor and a jolly heart. Any consternation they cause, you cannot hold a candle to the great campaign of terror you have carried over the intervening months. Personally, we have witnessed pranks in which the planning process took years as well as multiple thousands of dollars. Your act of pranking may only incite their rage, causing them to add nefarious elements to their already devious prank. We must also warn you about the perils of repeated and escalating pranking, the fall of the Roman Empire can be directly correlated to the large volume of silly string and fake noses imported by Nero in an attempt to get back at Hannibal after his hilarious well-executed elephants over the mountains prank. We realize our advice may offend some of our readership with the delicate feelings of an emotional under-developed adolescent girl. Some may even say that we're advocating kicking your opponent while he is down, weeping in a puddle of his own filth? Our response to these overzealous critics is comprised of two equally important pieces: First, man up. Second, what would you do if it was Jackie Chan who was down?  Would you stand there and let him jump up and proceed to beat you with a lemon peel? No. You have to press your advantage and in this case, be positive that their lives never become a monotonous drudgery sure to sear the soul. Prank and prank well my children, -Scene Is your life troubled? Do you need the wise words that only an anonymous paper can provide? You're not alone. We're looking out for you. We've been there, walking the same dark alleyways and dirty sidewalks you're currently traversing. We came out better men and women and only wish to pass our sage advice onto the future generation. Do you have a question, problem, quandary or otherwise sticky situation that you need help with? Write Scene at jshaffe1@nd.edu


The Observer

Lady Gaga evolves with 'The Fame Monster'

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 Lady Gaga is back in action with "The Fame Monster," an album of both brand-new songs and reissues of her first album, "The Fame." With her new songs, Lady Gaga proves that she can still make great, catchy dance tunes, but also shows the maturity she's found since her first album was released last year. Overall, "The Fame Monster" is the next step in the evolution of an incredible performer. 


The Observer

Twilight': An enlightened male perspective on 'Breaking Dawn'

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 I've never thought of myself as a typical male. However, there are times in my life when I'm confronted with the fact that no matter how much it pains me, I share common traits with a Dave-Matthews-listening, Natty-Ice-swilling, Xbox-live-playing frat boy. On matters such as red meat, college football and the simple joy of a bubble bath, I can and have held conversations lasting multiple minutes with my sleevelessly-attired and Chinese-character-tattooed counterpart. 

The Observer

Happy 'Hallidays' from Howard

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 It's the "Halliday" season, and Howard Hall is spreading cheer this Wednesday evening with their signature Christmas event.  A winter wonderland will appear between Crowley Hall of Music and LaFortune from 8-10 p.m., full of sweet treats, a sleigh ride and if Santa's on our side, some magical white precipitation from the sky.  


The Observer

Bright Star Shines at DPAC

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"Bright Star", written and directed by Oscar winner Jane Campion, tells the story of poet John Keats and his sort-of lover, Fanny Brawne. Campion's lush and breathtaking rendering of this happy-then-tragic tale is sure to draw a lot of attention come awards season this spring. The film features an excellent script full of wit, passion and levity, is shot with a stunning eye, and the cast gives what must be some of the finest performances of their respective careers. Some may recognize Paul Schneider, otherwise known as Mark Brendanawicz from "Parks and Recreation," as well as Thomas Sangster, that cute kid from seasonal favorite "Love, Actually."


The Observer

Handel's Messiah

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The English oratorio "The Messiah," originally composed by George Frideric Handel, held well to the tradition of the composition and was performed excellently by Notre Dame's official concert choir, the Chorale.


The Observer

Study Spots: Campus' Best and Worst

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Just as Jack Frost is finally beginning to nip at our noses, so too are finals starting to bite at our heels. They are looming over our heads, and the idea of studying for them is daunting. To help out, the following is a list of the three best and the two worst study spots on campus. Criteria include proximity to caffeine and sugary snacks, potential for distraction and comfort. Let's just hope these spots don't fill up the night before your big Orgo exam. BEST


The Observer

A Christmas Classic: The Muppet Christmas Carol

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Every Christmas season comes along with a decision that holds within it the power to make it a time to remember or an experience that you wish you could forget. Sugar plums dancing, St. Nick HO HO HO-ing and Christmas caroling are all vital components to a successful yuletide season but in this modern age I dare say that we must add one more box to our holiday checklist, that of the Christmas eve movie.


The Observer

A Carroll Christmas

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Three hundred paper bags filled with sand, tables heaped with cookies, a giant tree and … a guy dressed up as Mrs. Claus. Yes, it's time for "A Carroll Christmas," the Far Quad dorm's signature event. Its tagline? "If you only come to Carroll one time, come to ‘A Carroll Christmas.'" Hall president Rob Wilson, a junior, said that close to 1,000 people trekked to the event for the 2008 edition, and he hopes the mild weather will bring big crowds this year. Earlier in the week, residents spent several hours filling paper bags with sand and candles before hauling them out in wheelbarrows to place along sidewalks. The lit candles will mark the path to Far Quad. These luminaries go "all the way up to Lyons, because, quite frankly, not that many people have ever been to Carroll Hall," Wilson said. Wreaths, paper snowflakes and artificial trees decorate the dorm's first floor, while a giant real tree takes a place of honor on the front lawn. After its lighting ceremony on Friday night, it will be able to be seen across the lake and even from the top floor of the Hesburgh Library. Residents also judge a cookie-baking contest, picking out their favorites of the entries from students across campus. These batches are part the veritable cookie buffet, along with hot chocolate and cider, which fills at least one room of Carroll's first floor. Other highlights include Christmas karaoke and "Santa's workshop," where visitors can pose with Santa, Mrs. Claus and some elves —all Carroll residents in costume. "There's not a lot of people in the dorm — just a hundred," Wilson explained, so each resident takes up some of the work — which includes freshman duty as Santa's elves, tights and all. Wilson said that the event is also hosting a toy drive for the charity Hannah & Friends. Visitors can bring along unwrapped toys and place them in the marked boxes before heading inside to get their fill of cookies and karaoke. Besides providing yet another place to wear that snazzy sweater from Goodwill, "A Carroll Christmas" gives students an opportunities to stretch their boundaries, so to speak. "We're really proud of the event, and we try really hard to get as many people as we can to come. A lot of people have never been out to Carroll before." The Christmas party grew out of a Halloween haunted house tradition, which was shut down in 1997 amid some controversy. Carroll decided to take up another holiday event and started with the open house that has grown over the years. "I personally think it's the best Christmas celebration on campus," Wilson said.  


The Observer

Movie Rewind: The Last Broadcast

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With all the talk both building up and, in many cases, consequently tearing down this fall's most unsuspecting, wildly successful, "Blair Witch Project" clone, "Paranormal Activity," a look back at the true roots of documentary/horror filmmaking seems to be in order. Contrary to popular belief, the original "Blair Witch Project" had its own inspiration. And that film, a hardly known 1998 VHS castaway, "The Last Broadcast," is the subject of this movie rewind. Call it lost in translation, or lost in production. Either way, somewhere along the lines, a groundbreaking idea of a film with a pretty solid storyline to boot, became the real murder victim in this genre-changing horror of a horror film. Put together a team of creative minds and tell them to come up with a brand new take on the horror genre, then give that idea to an untalented writer only to watch him run off of a proverbial cliff with it. Purposely cast low-grade actors, some of whom can't even be convincing as ordinary, everyday people, and put in charge two directors whose specialty is taking movies out back behind a shed and shooting them dead and you'd have "The Last Broadcast" in a nutshell. What a bomb. What a "could have been." And that's not even the half of it. Steven Avalos and Lance Weiler's horror/documentary veiled as a documentary of the gruesome murders of two television hosts out in the Pine Barrens in New Jersey, is ruined by its own attempt to amateurishly go about being clever and build up to an all-or-nothing big twist. All it takes is a somewhat keen ear and maybe one partially opened eye to react to the big twist the same way you'd react to seeing blank wall in front of you. Only, a blank wall doesn't carry with it the tag of "utter disappointment." A blank wall isn't laughable, or lasting for all the worst possible reasons. No, instead, to be quite honest, it's not even just the film's obviousness that kills it, but so many (I'd make a list, but I'll spare you) other things. To make a long story short, almost everything from beginning to end is what makes "The Last Broadcast" a failure in the truest sense of the word. The end credits are, sadly, one of the film's highlights. But that's not entirely fair to it. Why look back on a movie 11 years old that by all accounts should only be remembered as being a coveted member of film history's hall of shame? Because of the idea behind the film. An idea ruined by terrible production and amateur oversight, but an idea that revolutionized filmmaking. To name a few examples, "The Blair Witch Project," "Paranormal Activity," "Poughkeepsie Tapes" and "District 9" all draw their founding idea from the film. For that reason only, it's worth watching the film — to see where it all started. Ultimately, "The Last Broadcast," in the right hands, not only could have — but would have — been something to remember. It probably could have never achieved the success of "Blair Witch" only because the Internet and its potential for viral marketing hadn't yet really been discovered, but it could have at least been a cult classic. It could have been a classic, genre-bending, once-in-a-blue-moon film that leaves a permanent footprint on the film industry. Instead, "The Last Broadcast" is somewhere out there straddling the line between "never seen it" and "wished I hadn‘t seen it." It's a tragedy, really, a horrible tragedy, as all the while, amidst the backdrop of the murders the film is supposedly documenting, we instead watch as the film is murdered by its own maker.


The Observer

Coen Brothers Head Back to Minnesota Roots in 'A Serious Man'

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"No Country for Old Men" and the Coen brother's newest film, an immaculately woven, darkest of dark comedies, "A Serious Man," are made for each other. Like two perfectly fitted pieces of a puzzle, together they form a universally bleak view of the world and speak volumes about human isolation and the fog of religion. Surprisingly, though, without an ounce of blood dropped and no Anton Chigurh, and no brilliantly deep Cormac McCarthy passages, "A Serious Man" reduces its counterpart to "lighter fare," and itself stands as one of the cruelest, most dreary portraits of human hope in film history. The two are perfectly complementary, yet so different in style and tone. Nonetheless, "A Serious Man" is to Judaism and Hashem what "No Country for Old Men" is to Christianity and God, the way the religion sees Him.  


The Observer

Weekend Events Calendar

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Thursday: ‘Taking Woodstock' @ 10 p.m. in DeBartolo Hall 101 This most recent film from director Ang Lee ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Brokeback Mountain") tracks the world changing events of Woodstock and their effect on one young man, Elliot Tiber. Working as an interior designer in Greenwich Village, Elliot is forced to return home to Bethel, New York, in order to help his parents and their failing motel. He soon discovers that a neighboring town has plans to host a music festival, and in hopes of drumming up business for the motel, gets involved. "Taking Woodstock" will also be playing on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $3.


The Observer

Built to Spill Makes No Enemies with New Album

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Well known among the indie rock crowd for their off-kilter yet influential musical style and a woodsy sound contrasted with heavy, catchy guitar hooks, the Boise-based band Built to Spill has been an influence on several other alternative rock bands in the Northwest, including, but certainly not limited to, Modest Mouse and Death Cab for Cutie. Built to Spill's front man Doug Martsch has cited Dinosaur Jr., Neil Young and Pavement as his own influences.  


The Observer

Memorable episodes have brought holiday spirit to TV

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"Buffy the Vampire Slayer"- "Amends" This season three episode is technically titled "Amends," but just call it "A Very Vampire Christmas Carol." Angel (David Boreanz), the vampire with a soul, is all tormented and stuff because he has killed a lot of people in his 240 years of existence, as a demon keeps reminding him through a series of flashbacks. So he decides to go out on a deserted hilltop and wait for the Christmas morning sun to kill him (in Buffyverse, vampires don't sparkle). But through Buffy's true love and some meteorological magic, all is saved. It snows for the first time ever in Sunnyvale, Calif., so the sunlight doesn't cook him into roast beast. It's a holiday weepfest tempered with the requisite "Buffy" wit and drama. "Gossip Girl" - "Roman Holiday" No cuter couple could be found during 2007's Christmas season than Dan and Serena. If you're searching for romantic and original gift ideas in the 50-dollar price range, look no further than season one "Gossip Girl" Christmas episode.  Dan bought a Christmas tree and snuck it into Serena's hotel room, working his man muscles and dodging security.  Serena, with the help of Dan's friend Vanessa, projected images of a snowy forest on the walls of an art gallery and swirled white confetti from the ceilings to create a winter wonderland for Dan.  Though Dan and Serena have unfortunately drifted apart since that first perfect Christmas two years ago, fans can count on Chuck and Blair this season for some chic gift exchanging and precious holiday canoodling under the mistletoe. "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"- "A Very Sunny Christmas" In their Christmas special, "A Very Sunny Christmas," the gang explores their past Christmases and tries to regain the Christmas spirit.  Spoofing various holiday classics, the 45-minute episode, available on DVD, has all the usual shenanigans and hijinks in which Charlie, Mac, Dennis, Frank and Dee manage to find themselves.  Unfortunately, while many parts of the episode have the usual hilarity found in "It's Always Sunny" episodes, sometimes the humor goes a little too far in the special, advancing beyond the regular offbeat comedy into the slightly disturbing.  Overall, the episode is amusing, not one of the best, but worth seeing, though probably not buying. "The Office" - "Christmas Party" "The Office" has presented many classic Christmas episodes, but "Christmas Party" was the first and the best. This second season episode featured a Secret Santa gift exchange that ends in equal parts disappointment and happiness for all our favorite employees. Any episode that combines the sweet will-they-or-won't-they romance of Jim and Pam (we all know how that turns out) and a topless Meredith has to be a classic. The types of presents bought unmistakably fit the characters' personalities, from Michael's over-budget iPod for Ryan to Creed's dirty, worn flannel shirt. Anyone who wants a lot of laughs this holiday season will not be disappointed after watching "Christmas Party," which is available along with the rest of the season two on DVD. "Pinky and the Brain" - "A Pinky and the Brain Christmas" Christmas specials tend to be a mash up of wintery atmosphere, cheesy music and sappy lessons. While normally an exact recipe for disaster, mix in two laboratory mice, an Orson Wells impression and a plot to take over the world, and the end result will warm the coldest miser's heart (and win a well-deserved Emmy). The Brain nearly achieves world domination but is once again befuddled by the actions of Pinky. While he fails to reach his elusive goal, he manages to spread joy to the world, find the true meaning of friendship and gives the gift that keeps on giving: a spellchecker. Despite Amazon solely stocking the VHS, this forgotten holiday classic merits an annual viewing. "Rugrats"- "Babes in Toyland" Although not technically about Christmas, "Rugrats" once featured one of the best holiday-themed episodes of all time. An informative episode, for all you gentiles out there, at least, it delved into the history of Chanukah, due to Tommy's half-Jewish parentage. What ensues is an epic reenactment of the plight of the "Maccababies", "Rugrats" slang for the Maccabees, and their fight against King "Antonica," played by one Angelica Pickles. Tommy, as Judas, leads them to victory. But, upon their arrival at the Holy Temple, they realize there is only enough oil left to light the Temple candle for one day. Can you guess how many days it miraculously stays lit for? If not, get your hands on this classic ASAP. "Seinfeld" - "The Strike" In a somewhat anti-Christmas episode of "Seinfeld," George introduces the non-denominational holiday of Festivus to the New York area. This holiday, created in the show by George's father, was a holiday meant to battle the commercialization of Christmas.  Kramer discovers the holiday and wants to celebrate it, which brings back horrible memories of George's childhood, particularly the "feats of strength," a contest that forced George to attempt to subdue his father to end the holiday. As usual, hilarity ensues, focused mainly on the misery of George, as so often is the case in "Seinfeld." "Six Feet Under" - "Pilot" Ain't no party like a Fisher family Christmas party. Mostly due to the lack of Christmas songs, festive decorations, eggnog, presents and overall Christmas cheer. The first season of "Six Feet Under" starts off with a bang when, on one fateful Christmas morning, the fractured Fisher family is reunited for very sad reasons. When picking out your favorite holiday TV episodes, save this one for the day when you're allowed to be a little down. While not bubbling with Christmas excitement, though, the series premiere of "Six Feet Under" is still really, really awesome. You may just leave it finally able to truly appreciate those you spend your Christmas days with.


The Observer

James Franco, Acting God Turned Soap Opera Stud

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Soap operas are uncool. Grandparents and housewives watch soaps, not college students (although, let's be honest, is watching "The Hills" religiously any less embarrassing?). Those of us who watch them do so in secret, making strange excuses as to why we disappear from the world in the middle of the day, or why our class schedule is arranged around a mysterious one-hour gap.


The Observer

The Magic of Nintendo 64

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There's something about multi-player Nintendo 64 games that brings out the worst in people. Even the most mild-mannered person can be seen screaming when his he loses his last life in Super Smash Bros., or when he gets a star stolen from him in Mario Party. But there's also something about these games that brings people together, some small enjoyment that comes from competition that requires nothing but some hand-eye coordination and basic video game playing skills. I suggest that every dorm room should include a Nintendo 64 (something that can now be purchased relatively inexpensively) and these few games which can provide hours of entertainment, and often some bitter rivalries and excessive yelling.   Super Smash Bros. Arguably the greatest multi-player video game of all time, Super Smash Bros. is a must-have for any Nintendo 64 owners. The enjoyment comes from being able to match your fighting skills with someone else's, one-on-one, and proving that you can beat up your opponent, even if it's only in a video game. Intensity and hilarity can ensue when the lives start slipping away and it starts coming down to the last few attacks, especially if someone finds a hammer. And no, using Kirby is not cheating. It's just smart game play.   Mario Party Why play a regular board game when you can play a Mario board game complete with mini-games and the frustration that comes with happening spaces and chance time? Mario Party appeals to all because of the combination of strategy and luck, and the variety of mini-games allows everyone to excel at something. And what brings more intensity than the end of a round of Mario Party, waiting to see who will get the coin star, the happening star and the game star, all in the pursuit of the ever-elusive Super Star. Wow, I'm a nerd.   Mario Kart A game that tends to be more lop-sided in favor of those who have experience playing the game (or those who have memorized the courses forwards and backwards), Mario Kart is a game that should be played with players of comparable skill level. The 16 courses provide variation that gives the game replay value, but the ability to play as many or as few races as you want makes it a good game for filling any amount of free time. Just remember not to drink and drive. It's against the rules.   Mario Golf Another game that takes some getting used to before it really becomes fun, Mario Golf can provide a much-needed golf fix in the midst of the cold winters of South Bend. One drawback is that rounds of 18 holes can take a while, but Mario Golf offers a save feature which can postpone rounds for later. Nothing is more frustrating that missing a short putt for the win, but nothing is more exhilarating than chipping in or recording the rare albatross. Don't forget to factor in the rain, though. Or the lie. Or the wind.


The Observer

Lambert's Shock and Awe Fizzles

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Everyone loves getting awards. They tend to be incredibly shiny and heavy, have your name printed on them, look impressive on a mantle and normally come with some cash. It's not at all unexpected, then, that there's a glut of award shows to honor the humble among us: musicians. Never ones to toot their own horns, it's important we gather annually to pass out the American Music Awards.


The Observer

Football Photo Gallery: Connecticut

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Notre Dame reversed its recent trend of struggling to start games, but the Irish could not sustain their early momentum and lost their third straight game, 33-30 to Connecticut in double overtime.


The Observer

Scene Says

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Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Children of all ages get pumped! You may not know it yet but your entire lives have been nothing but a precursor to this one moment. The most awesome of awesome things in your lives pale in awesomeness when compared to the next sentence you will read. The Scene section will now be offering advice to any and all who desire a wise word, intelligent interjection, adept advice or sage syllogisms on any aspect of Notre Dame life. You can't let that guy friend know that you like him? Got it covered. Tired of getting friend-zoned by girls left and right? We feel you and we got the remedy, it is the experience, the dangerous liaison. Even if all you want to know is the best place to get a delicious sandwich, we handle the toughest questions. (P.S. — the answer is a Dagwood sandwich from Martin's side door deli). Simply e-mail your questions to jshaffe1@nd.edu and we will take care of the rest. For your viewing pleasure here's how a sample question might go :